By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to this week’s issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. Congress has returned from recess, and the House has released its FY26 appropriations bill proposing a 16 percent cut to federal education funding and rescinding $3 billion in already appropriated funds. This stands in sharp contrast to the bipartisan Senate bill that largely maintains current funding levels. If lawmakers cannot pass all 12 appropriations bills, a government shutdown looms unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is approved by Sept. 30. Given that Congress will be in recess for a week in September, a CR appears the most likely outcome. With so much at stake, NACAC remains focused on ensuring that student access, opportunity, and equity stay at the forefront of national discussions.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed ending the long-standing “duration of status” framework for international students, replacing it with a four-year visa cap. This would force students into frequent renewals and paperwork, introducing uncertainty that could discourage enrollment in U.S. institutions. More than one million international students already contribute to our economy and research enterprise. New restrictions risk undermining that pipeline and sending a damaging message abroad. DHS is accepting comments on the proposal until Sept. 29.

Equity gaps remain stark. A study in AERA Open finds that fewer than 6 percent of four-year colleges qualify as “Equity Engines,” enrolling and graduating Pell-eligible students at high rates. Twenty-four states — many with the highest child poverty rates — have none at all. Students who cannot relocate face sharply limited options, while states like California and New York benefit from strong public university systems. Researchers call for targeted investment in “Emerging Equity Engines” to expand opportunity in underserved regions.

States are stepping in where federal protections are under threat. Illinois recently codified the Plyler v. Doe ruling, ensuring undocumented students’ right to a free K–12 education. The Illinois law requires school districts to adopt policies limiting immigration enforcement on school grounds, addressing family fears amid federal crackdowns. With some states challenging Plyler, Illinois’ move offers clarity and consistency for immigrant families.

In Washington, D.C., education funding is again on the chopping block. The House FY26 appropriations bill would cut the Department of Education by $12.4 billion — 16 percent below current funding. The measure slashes Title I by 27 percent, rescinds nearly $3 billion in advance appropriations, eliminates more than a dozen programs including SEOG and teacher grants, and cuts Federal Work Study. It also reduces department staffing by 30 percent, including a 35 percent cut to the Office for Civil Rights. While Pell, TRIO, and GEAR UP are preserved, they are flat funded. Some areas — charter schools, special education, and CTE — see modest increases, but overall, the bill would fund education below 2011 levels. This contrasts sharply with the Senate’s bipartisan bill, which maintains near-level funding. With government funding set to expire on Sept. 30, a continuing resolution appears likely.

Fiscal conflicts extend beyond education. The Trump administration has sought to withhold $4.9 billion in previously approved foreign aid through a “pocket rescission,” drawing bipartisan criticism as a violation of Congress’s constitutional spending authority. Meanwhile, lawsuits over the administration’s freeze of more than $6 billion in K–12 grants have been dismissed after the Education Department  committed to releasing funds by Oct. 3, ending months of disruption.

Additionally, the Education Department has confirmed that the 2026–27 FAFSA will launch on Oct. 1, restoring predictability after recent delays. The Oct. 1 certification fulfills requirements of the FAFSA Deadline Act of 2024, which codified what had long been the expected release date in response to prior administrative challenges. For millions of students and families, an on-time FAFSA is critical to planning for enrollment and financial aid.

Immigration enforcement continues to fuel trauma and barriers from K–12 to college. Increased activity and state rollbacks of tuition equity are pushing students without legal status to withdraw, delay, or shift to online programs. The Department of Justice has also sued Illinois over its policy granting in-state tuition to undocumented students, though state leaders have defended it as consistent with federal law.

Courts are playing a key role in checking politically motivated actions. A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s $2.2 billion funding freeze on Harvard University, ruling it unconstitutional and ideologically driven. The decision aligns with arguments made in an amicus brief filed by ACE on behalf of 28 higher education associations — including NACAC — and underscores the dangers of politicizing funding in ways that threaten research and institutional autonomy.

Finally, a new report from Trellis Strategies highlights the challenges facing student parents, who make up nearly one in five college students. They are more likely to work full time, struggle with basic needs, and face heightened risks of stopping out. With federal childcare supports such as CCAMPIS at risk, institutions must step up with services and strategies that help student parents persist and complete their degrees.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC advanced its advocacy on multiple fronts as federal policy debates intensified. We joined 40 higher education associations in urging the Department of Education to ensure a clear, stable implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). With millions of students and families depending on new loan limits, repayment plans, and earnings data, the coalition called for updated systems, adequate staffing, transparent communication, and full representation of financial aid administrators and diverse institutions in the upcoming negotiated rulemaking. We emphasized that thoughtful planning and resources are essential to avoid disruption in access to aid and student borrowing.

NACAC also applauded a federal court ruling that struck down the Trump administration’s $2.2 billion funding freeze on Harvard University. The court found the freeze unconstitutional and politically motivated, underscoring the importance of protecting academic freedom and free speech. NACAC joined 28 higher education associations in submitting an amicus brief earlier this year, urging the administration to end such politically driven attacks. The decision affirms the vital role of higher education in research and innovation and rejects attempts to weaponize federal funding against institutions.

Finally, NACAC voiced opposition to the House FY26 appropriations bill, which proposes a 16 percent cut to the Department of Education, including steep reductions to Title I, student aid, and institutional support programs. The bill also eliminates or freezes key higher education initiatives and reduces staffing across the department, including the Office for Civil Rights. By contrast, the Senate’s bipartisan bill protects funding near current levels. NACAC continues to call on Congress to reject these harmful cuts, preserve critical programs, and act responsibly to keep the government funded.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

Even in the face of uncertainty, our collective advocacy continues to make a difference — in the courts, in Congress, and in communities across the country. Progress is not always immediate, but steady, persistent action shapes the path forward.

As the writer H. Jackson Brown Jr. reminds us: “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins — not through strength, but through perseverance.”

Thank you for the perseverance you bring to supporting students every day. NACAC will continue to keep you informed and amplify your voices as these debates unfold in the weeks ahead.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to another issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. As we head into the holiday weekend and the start of a new academic year, I want to pause and recognize the extraordinary work you do every day to support students. These first weeks of the school year bring renewed energy, but they also highlight the challenges and uncertainties that shape our profession. With only weeks until the government faces another potential shutdown, we are watching closely as Congress prepares to return next week. The stakes are high, and the policies under consideration will have a direct impact on college access, affordability, and the work of counselors across the country. NACAC is committed to keeping you informed, elevating your voices, and ensuring that the needs of students remain at the center of the national conversation.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Supreme Court recently issued a 5-4 ruling allowing the Trump administration to stand by its decision to cut nearly $800 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, many of which supported research on diversity, equity, inclusion, gender identity, and COVID. While researchers and public health advocates view the decision as a major setback, the court did leave in place a lower court ruling that found NIH directives unlawful, preventing additional grant terminations under those rules. Researchers now must seek relief through the Court of Federal Claims rather than federal district courts, adding layers of complexity and delay for programs already facing disruption.

Meanwhile, the University of Missouri canceled a long-standing back-to-school block party organized by its Black student group, citing concerns that the event name suggested “unlawful discrimination.” This action is part of a broader national trend, where institutions under pressure from the Trump administration are scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, cultural events, and programs supporting students of color. Students and advocates warn that these decisions erase critical spaces for belonging and support, risking student success and retention at a time when reports of campus racism are rising.

Financial pressures are also shaping admission decisions. With declining international enrollment, universities including Stanford, Duke, Harvard, and Rice are making unusually late offers to wait-listed students, often accompanied by financial incentives, mere weeks before classes begin. Foreign enrollment is projected to drop by as much as 30 percent this fall, and these late admissions highlight the instability created by restrictive federal immigration and higher education policies. Institutions are trying to fill revenue gaps and stabilize budgets, but the scramble underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the U.S. higher education system.

The Trump administration is refusing to defend a federal program that provides $350 million in grants to Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). This refusal signals an intent to dismantle federal aid tied to student demographics, putting at risk programs that support Predominantly Black Institutions, and Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions. While Congress legally established these designations, the court case could determine the future of essential funding for colleges serving large populations of minority students. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has filed to intervene and defend HSIs, which supports campuses where at least 25 percent of students are Hispanic.

Undocumented students are facing sudden tuition hikes and uncertain futures, particularly in Texas, where longstanding in-state tuition policies were abandoned under pressure from the Justice Department. Within hours of a federal judge’s ruling, students were shut out of the process, leaving colleges scrambling just days before classes began. Similar lawsuits are now underway in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Minnesota, aiming to restrict tuition access for undocumented students nationwide. Advocates warn that these actions will derail educational trajectories, harm state economies, and create chaos for campus staff charged with determining legal residency for tuition purposes.

Student aid processes are also under stress. A group of Democratic senators are pressing Education Secretary McMahon to reverse changes that make it harder for students and borrowers to file financial aid complaints, accusing the department of burying and complicating the process. Nearly 289,000 complaints were filed in 2024, and lawmakers are urging the department to streamline procedures and restore staffing to ensure students receive timely support. Compounding these challenges, new identity verification requirements flagged an additional 300,000 students for review this summer, adding to an existing backlog of 125,000. Financial aid officers worry that manual processes may delay or block aid for eligible students at a critical time, especially for low-income populations.

Programs that directly support underserved students are also at risk. The administration has already revoked over $13 million in TRIO funding, cutting essential support for low-income and first-generation college students. GEAR UP programs serving more than 250,000 students nationwide remain in limbo, waiting on continuation awards. Without Congressional intervention before Oct. 1, staff layoffs, program shutdowns, and lost opportunities for students and families with disabilities are imminent. These programs are vital pipelines for higher education access, and their disruption threatens decades of progress for students who rely on these supports.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is offering a glimmer of hope for borrowers, as a wave of “golden letters” signals relief is still possible. Yet, major challenges remain, including backlogs of more than 72,000 buyback applications, miscounted payments, and new regulations that could restrict forgiveness for entire groups of public service employees. While some borrowers are seeing progress, millions still face uncertainty about the program’s future.

States are also preparing to implement Workforce Pell following its passage in One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), but a new report indicates significant variation in capacity to track short-term, noncredit programs. States must strengthen data systems, align programs with credit pathways, and address gaps in labor market outcome tracking to ensure students can access these funds when they become available next year.

Finally, the administration’s approach to international students is creating additional uncertainty. While Trump recently praised Chinese students and promised to welcome 600,000 to U.S. campuses, restrictive visa policies and heightened scrutiny are already forcing many students to defer enrollment or shift to online programs. NAFSA estimates international enrollment could drop by up to 40 percent this year, with consequences for teaching, research, and local economies. Colleges are attempting to provide flexibility, but systemic instability continues to threaten the U.S.’s position as a destination for global talent.

Across the development, the Trump administration’s policies are reshaping access to higher education, financial aid, and federal research support, disproportionately affecting students of color, low-income students, undocumented students, and international students. These actions, from grant cancellations to visa delays, create urgent challenges for institutions, educators, and policymakers who are committed to equitable access, student success, and the nation’s role as a global education leader.

NACAC Advocacy 

NACAC remains a steadfast advocate for our members, working to ensure that federal policies support students and the counseling profession. As Congress prepares to return next week, our team is actively monitoring newly proposed rules from the administration and coordinating with partners to develop a strong, collective response. These proposals could significantly affect college access, affordability, and student success.

Our advocacy efforts are also central to NACAC Conference 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. The conference will provide numerous opportunities to stay informed and engaged. I will also be presenting at conference to share insights on legislation, funding initiatives, and regulatory changes that impact college access and affordability. These updates will equip you with actionable insights to advocate effectively both on your campus and in your community.

Through these efforts, NACAC is committed to providing you with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to navigate a rapidly changing policy landscape. Together, we can shape policies that expand opportunity, safeguard access, and reinforce the vital role of counselors in higher education.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As we move into September and face both new challenges and opportunities, I am reminded of the words of civil rights leader John Lewis: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, you just have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”

Let us carry that resolve into our advocacy and into our daily work with students, knowing that together, we can dismantle barriers and create meaningful pathways to opportunity.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Thank you for joining us again for the third issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. While Congress remains in recess until Sept. 2, lawmakers face a narrow four-week window to reach an agreement and avoid a potential government shutdown when they return to Washington, D.C. In the meantime, much of the action has shifted to the executive branch and the courts. Over the past week, the Trump administration has advanced a series of proposed rules that carry significant implications for college access and affordability. Meanwhile, federal courts have begun weighing in on key issues, stepping in to check instances of executive overreach and addressing new complexity to an already shifting environment for students, families, and institutions.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

A federal judge in Maryland has struck down the Trump administration’s and certification mandate that sought to ban race-conscious practices across education. Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Trump appointee, ruled that the Education Department bypassed federal procedures and infringed on constitutional rights, creating a “sea change” that chilled lawful speech in classrooms. The ruling forces the department to reverse course, adding to earlier injunctions that had already blocked enforcement. While the department expressed disappointment, it emphasized a continued commitment to enforcing Title VI protections.

At the same time, state and federal anti-DEI actions are forcing campuses to shutter cultural and multicultural centers, spaces that are essential for student belonging and success. At least 12 institutions across six states have closed their centers this year, with Ohio’s new DEI ban accounting for nearly half of those closures. Students and faculty warn the rollbacks will leave first-generation and marginalized students without essential community and support.

Another proposal from the Education Department would exclude transgender and nonbinary students from the Civil Rights Data Collection for upcoming school years. The change would also strike gender identity from the definition of rape and sexual assault, narrowing the scope of protections at a time when advocates argue accurate data is critical to investigating discrimination. Public comments are open until Sept. 8.

The administration also is advancing new admission reporting requirements that could undermine access for first-generation and low-income students. Four-year institutions would be required to submit applicant-level data on race, sex, GPA, test scores, income, and Pell eligibility. While framed as a measure to expose “race-based preferencing,” experts warn it could pressure colleges to lean more heavily on test scores and GPAs, disadvantaging students from less affluent backgrounds. , this approach risks shutting out students whose potential is not captured by test scores, particularly those who are rural, low-income, or first-generation.

Affordability continues to drive student trust in higher education. A new Student Voice survey shows that while two-thirds of students trust their institutions, more than a third report declining confidence in higher education overall, underscoring the urgent need for affordability and student-centered support.

International enrollment also faces headwinds. A recent survey shows that while 91 percent of prospective students still plan to study in the U.S. and 99 percent trust the quality of American institutions, visa delays and shifting policies are creating barriers. Proposals to limit student visas to two or four years, combined with heightened scrutiny and the end of interview waivers, threaten to discourage students from enrolling. Advocates warn regional and community colleges could be most at risk.

Even with Congress in recess, the administration is advancing proposals that could significantly reshape access and opportunity. One proposal would narrow eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness by tying forgiveness not only to an individual’s work, but also to whether their employer’s policies align with the president’s agenda. Borrowers working at organizations that offer gender-affirming care, provide sanctuary protections, or maintain DEI programs could lose access to loan relief — a shift critics describe as government overreach that undermines free speech and deters graduates from public service.

Disability advocates are also sounding alarms as the Education Department prepares to cancel hundreds of IDEA Part D grants, which fund technical assistance centers, parent resource networks, and special educator training. Many of these grants are mid-cycle but appear to have been flagged by AI scans for DEI-related language, raising concerns that crucial support for students with disabilities may soon disappear.

Federal courts have stepped in on multiple fronts to limit the administration’s actions. A judge recently blocked efforts to eliminate funding for congressionally mandated education research programs, affirming that the Education Department cannot ignore appropriations for initiatives like Comprehensive Centers and Regional Educational Laboratories. Another court ordered the phased rehiring of hundreds of staff in the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, acknowledging the strain the department faces in handling discrimination complaints with a diminished workforce. The return of hundreds of employees will begin in September, with full reinstatement expected by November. In both cases, the courts reinforced Congress’s role in setting education priorities and ensured students continue to receive legally mandated protections and services.

Meanwhile, financial aid administrators are warning that recent staff cuts at Federal Student Aid are having direct impacts on students. A NASFAA survey shows disruptions in processing, communication, and responsiveness are worsening, with 72 percent of institutions now reporting student-facing problems — up sharply from 59 percent in May. Combined with new loan caps and repayment changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these staffing shortages risk leaving students vulnerable to aid delays that could derail enrollment and persistence.

Congress is also demanding answers. are pressing Education Secretary McMahon for freezing forgiveness under Income-Based Repayment, citing a court order. Lawmakers argue the move was unnecessary, poorly communicated, and threatens long-term borrowers who risk losing out on relief before a key tax exemption expires. With more than 2 million borrowers enrolled in IBR, they are urging the department to restore forgiveness quickly.

Finally, the Education Department has rescinded longstanding guidance protecting English learners’ right to equal access. A 2015 Dear Colleague Letter had offered direction on identification, assessment, and support, as well as preserving heritage languages. Its removal follows the earlier closure of the Office of English Language Acquisition, further limiting federal support for EL students at a time when their numbers are growing nationwide.

NACAC Advocacy 

NACAC continues to be a strong voice for our members in federal policy discussions that directly affect students and the counseling profession. Our team is actively monitoring newly proposed rules from the administration and working closely with our partners to coordinate a collective response. These rules have significant implications for college access and affordability, and we are preparing opportunities for our members to make their voices heard through the public comment process. In the coming weeks, we will share guidance on how you can elevate your perspectives and help shape the policies that impact your work and your students’ futures.

At the same time, our advocacy efforts are extending into preparation for NACAC Conference 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, where federal action updates will be front and center. Nearly 140 education sessions are scheduled, covering a wide range of topics relevant to your daily practice and long-term professional growth. Alongside these sessions, attendees will have the chance to engage in the Access College Fair, Counselors’ College Fair, main stage presentations, and valuable networking events. Throughout the conference, our team will provide updates on current legislation, funding initiatives, and regulatory changes, ensuring that members have the latest information to guide their advocacy and professional decisions.

Whether through collective action on policy proposals or conversations at conference, NACAC is committed to equipping members with the tools and knowledge to advocate for students and strengthen the profession. We look forward to sharing more soon on how you can play a key role in these efforts. 

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing policy landscape, one constant remains: our shared belief that access to education is both a right and a powerful force for change. The challenges described above highlight why collective advocacy is so essential, and why your voice as a counselor, educator, and advocate matters in shaping the future of college access and success.

As Nelson Mandela reminded us, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” NACAC will continue to stand with you in ensuring that this truth guides federal policy and practice. Together, we can safeguard opportunity, advance equity, and keep students at the heart of every decision.